This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:20:38
The video primarily addresses the issue of overheating and melting connectors in high-power graphics cards, specifically the Nvidia 4090. The presenter conducts various tests to uncover the root causes of these failures, using equipment like FLIR cameras to monitor temperatures. Key points include the disadvantages of using pigtails and the benefits of high-quality cables, such as those offered by CableMod. CableMod cables are highlighted for their customization options and safer design, including new 90-degree adapters. Throughout the video, the presenter emphasizes avoiding sharp bends and overloading to prevent damage. Despite extensive testing, including extreme conditions, the presenter finds it challenging to replicate the failures consistently, underscoring the complexity of the issue. Detailed data from users who experienced failures is needed to better understand common failure points. The video's conclusion offers recommendations for best practices to ensure reliable GPU performance and avoid connector issues.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter revisits the issue of a specific connector burning up on 4090 graphics cards. Despite initial reluctance to recreate the failure conditions, they decide to conduct tests to determine what causes these failures. Several users have reported similar issues, leading to speculation that AMD might avoid using these problematic connectors, leaving Nvidia to deal with the fallout alone. The presenter discusses power supply limitations, recommending against using pigtails and advocating for dedicated connections, while highlighting CableMod’s replacement cables designed for better compatibility. They plan to use a FLIR camera to monitor the connectors during testing.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the features and advantages of using CableMod cables for PCs. They explain the importance of having more PCI Express connectors for better compatibility with different power supplies, mentioning that CableMod cables help in maintaining a safe bend radius to prevent delicate connections from damage. The video highlights the configurability of CableMod cables, allowing users to customize color combinations using an online configurator. Additionally, the speaker mentions a new 90-degree adapter from CableMod, set to release on October 31st, which addresses varying connector orientations on different graphics cards. They emphasize the high quality and customization options of CableMod products, recommending viewers to check them out for their PC builds.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the importance of cable quality when using high-power graphics cards like the 4090, emphasizing that poor-quality cables can lead to overheating and melting. They begin by conducting a heat test on a Corsair cable using a FLIR camera to monitor the temperature as the cable heats up under load. The test aims to establish a baseline temperature and investigate at what point the cable begins to fail. The temperature starts at 26°C and climbs to around 50°C. The presenter explains that overheating, not electrical shorts, causes the cable failures and describes their method to ensure accurate temperature readings on the connector. They also mention previous instances where users experienced melted plugs after just a few days of use and criticized the RMA process as being ineffective for resolving these issues.
00:09:00
In this segment, the presenter is conducting a series of tests to identify failure points in a power cable setup. They start by maxing out the voltage and power limits, achieving a baseline temperature of around 52°C. The presenter then demonstrates a non-recommended method of bending the sleeve to fit a side panel, noting the potential for increased risk. As they test this setup, they observe that the temperature rises faster than expected, reaching about 52.2°C more quickly than the other configurations.
Subsequently, they push the voltage and power limits further and note instability at lower clock speeds with the adapter, reaching temperatures around 55°C but not enough to cause failure. The presenter then adds a second cable with pigtails, again warning viewers not to replicate this as it’s unsafe. They clarify that despite appearances, the cables use higher gauge stranded wire rather than solid core, which accounts for certain performance characteristics. The goal is to create extreme conditions to identify failure points, highlighting that such configurations should be avoided in practice.
00:12:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the need for detailed data on failed plugs to determine the root cause of these failures. They request specifics such as the case, power supply, cables used, and conditions during the failure. They note that while every component has a failure point, identifying common denominators under regular usage is crucial. The speaker conducts various tests, including using an 850-watt power supply to increase load and bending the cable aggressively, while monitoring temperatures and performance. Despite attempts to recreate failures, the setup continues to run without issues, highlighting the complexity in pinpointing the exact cause of plug failures.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the narrator discusses the condition and reliability of a custom cable, specifically referring to a scenario where their cable’s battery died. They mention encountering several significant moments during testing but were unable to create a failure, despite the known potential issue with the plug. They express concerns about similar plugs failing within the first two weeks of ownership and aim to provide recommendations to avoid such issues. The narrator proceeds to inspect the cable by cutting it open to understand its internal components, highlighting the presence of exposed leads within the same sleeve, and questioning why certain parts are populated if they don’t serve a function in the adapter. They find that the cable’s construction is robust, with properly soldered connections rather than crimped ones, and explain the purpose of the sense wires. They also note that despite extensive bending, the cable remained intact, indicating its strength. The segment concludes with a promise to provide best practices for using the cable to prevent issues.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses tips for ensuring proper power supply to a 4090 GPU, emphasizing the importance of avoiding sharp bends in the adapter for safety and performance. He suggests using high-quality custom cables from companies like CableMod, which offer stronger connectors and better cable management solutions, including 90 and 180-degree adapters. To prevent side panel clearance issues, vertical mounting of the graphics card is recommended. The speaker also mentions that while a widespread issue with the adapters has not prompted a recall, it remains a concern among users. They conclude by sharing test results that showed no immediate failure with the adapters, indicating a relatively good sign.